Conscription and Mobilization in Moscow: How Men Can Prepare for Fall 2026

The President of Ukraine warns that Russia may announce a new mobilization after the State Duma elections this fall. Zelenskyy believes that Moscow could mobilize up to 500,000 new troops. Latvian intelligence also predicts that the likelihood of mobilization will increase at that point. Sources from the independent Russian media outlets Meduza, Important Stories, and Verstka also claim that Russian officials are beginning to discuss a new mobilization as the number of people willing to serve in Russia's armed forces declines.

Even without these reports, Moscow's conscripts and reservists face unique challenges every fall. The capital of the Russian Federation has a Unified Conscription Center (UCC) — a more hard-line institution than regular military enlistment offices, while its monitoring system includes the use of cameras in the metro and lists of “draft dodgers.”

1. Should you expect a new wave of raids, and what should you do if detained?

Although reports of raids decreased in the spring of 2026, the way they are conducted has changed: the police are now looking not for random people, but for specific individuals from the Moscow “draft dodger list”. This list includes those who failed to report when summoned or have already received a conscription order.

How to prepare for possible detention:

• Avoid risks: If possible, leave Moscow during the call-up period, or at least avoid using the metro.
• Put together a “safety folder”: Carry copies of all applications, complaints, and documents confirming that the conscription order has been appealed.
• Draw up a power of attorney: Specify that your trusted representative is authorized to represent your interests specifically at the Unified Military Recruitment Center.
• Use a basic feature phone: Smartphones are often confiscated at the Unified Military Recruitment Center, while basic feature phones may be permitted.

If you are detained and the conscription decision has not been suspended, you risk being taken immediately to the assembly point.

2. What should you do if you are forced to undergo a medical examination (ME)?

In the spring of 2026, one of the main problems was graduating students and those who had applied for alternative civilian service being forced to undergo medical examinations. Although the law prohibits medical examinations in such cases, the practice continues. Lawyers advise either temporarily leaving the city or refusing to undergo the medical examination on the spot. You may be fined for refusing, but this fine can and should be appealed with the help of human rights advocates.

3. Difficulties obtaining a student deferment

Even when all the requirements are met, Moscow conscripts still face refusals of deferments. The main at-risk groups are:

• Those who did not enroll in a postgraduate program immediately after completing their master's degree.
• Those who did not enroll in university in the same year they graduated from school.
• Students at secondary vocational colleges.

If you have a gap in your education, it is advisable to prepare a backup plan in advance: move to another region, apply for alternative civilian service, or gather medical documents to obtain a health exemption.

4. Alternative civilian service (ACS) in Moscow

Securing alternative civilian service in Moscow has become more difficult due to arbitrary rejections and repeat reviews at the Unified Conscription Center. Nevertheless, it is still possible: in 2026, at least 73 people are performing alternative civilian service.

Important: if your application for alternative civilian service has been rejected, you must immediately appeal the decision in court. While the case is being heard, you cannot legally be conscripted. If the court rejects your appeal, you can immediately submit a new application for alternative civilian service.

5. Should you move to another region?

Moving is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before switching military enlistment offices, you need to research the practices in the specific region, including how often alternative civilian service is approved there and how the courts operate. Risks of moving:

• Registering and transferring your personal file takes time.
• If a decision to conscript you has already been issued, it formally applies throughout the country.

6. A new wave of mobilization: what should reservists expect?

Although many experts doubt that the authorities are planning a new wave, it is still worth preparing. Reservists in Moscow may be targeted using the same methods as conscripts: tracking through metro surveillance cameras and detention by police.

Recommendations for reservists:

• Do not make decisions under pressure or sign a contract at the military enlistment office if you were summoned “to verify your information.”
• Prepare documents to protect your rights in advance.
• If mobilization begins, relocating to a small town may be more effective, as the risk of being caught in a raid is higher in Moscow.

To ensure that you always have access to instructions, even without an internet connection, we recommend downloading the human rights organizations’ mobile app.

If you do not want to fight, have questions about applying for alternative civilian service (ACS), need help dealing with abuse in the military, or need legal advice on appealing various violations during conscription — contact us in “A Call to Conscience,” where the project’s experts provide free consultations.

Recommendation from Doberman Media

Проект “Мигалка” добавили новую категорию уведомлений — raids targeting people liable for military service. Volunteers and community members will now send information about them to Migalka ДСО. 

Since 2013, DSO has provided Russians with free advice on conscription, mobilization, and conscientious objection to military service. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, it has been helping not only conscripts, but also those who have already found themselves on the front lines. 

As with other categories, we will monitor public sources and send alerts whenever media outlets or other projects report raids. You can also report a raid directly to the Migalka bot.

If you need help or advice on conscientious objection to military service, contact the DSO bot, and if you want to receive instant updates about raids and warn others about them, subscribe to Migalka bot.

In addition to raids targeting people eligible for military service, on Migalka you can find alerts about police activity unrelated to conscription (document checks, raids, and mass arrests), as well as drone attacks, missile strikes, and internet restrictions.